Deadline for PT 2013 Proposals is July 9

APTA encourages members to submit proposals for 90-minute and 3-hour sessions for PT 2013, to be held June 26-29, 2013, in Salt Lake City. The association would like to focus on the areas for programming where latest or emerging ideas are shared and discussed:

delivery of care (medical homes, accountable care organizations)

payment (alternative payment models)

use of technology in the administration of care (electronic health records, etc)

Comments

I would like to propose that APTA to lead a movement for all insurances to reimburse physical therapy treated by PTA and not only PT. Primarily speaking Tricare. And I have heard that Blue Cross/Blue Shield has begun denying coverage for those treated by PTA.
I feel this is a very fair request for 3 reasons. One, sadly it's a time of war, with this it is a higher demand for physical therapy needs. Two, Medicare reimburse PTA treating patients. And as a rule of thumb most insurances follow suit of Medicare policy. So why not PTA reimbursement for treatment of patient. Third, Tricare reimburse COTA and not PTA? This to me doesn't make any sense. We are all governed under that same State Health boards and carry a license as we work under the POC of a PT.
Thank you,

Posted by Angela Huff
on 6/19/2012 4:22 PM

I would like to propose that the LPTA degree be increased to a Bachelors degree. I have been a LPTA for six years and the educational gap between DPTs and LPTA is becoming far greater. As a CI I have noticed the lack of preparation and knowledge from these new PTA students. The programs are to short and the students are basicly being prepared to pass their boards and not being good clinians. If the course work is increased it will weed out the people who are just trying to "get paid" and maybe solve the insurance no pay problem listed by Angela. Thank You.

Posted by Craig Ayers
on 6/20/2012 8:59 AM

Booooooo!!! No, to B.S. for PTAs..too much time not enough money for students (students don't need more debt, they need more jobs!) If professors and CIs do a great job, students should be prepared to perform in the clinic. Truthfully speaking, the performance of the individual is up to the individual- intelligence, knowledge, and passion about the patients and the profession are the things, I believe, that make a great clinician. Besides, on the job training is the best way to gain knowledge; and prolonging the "education" only delays the "EDUCATION."